• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Ampeg v4b

secondbestcody

secondbestcody

Supporting Member
Mar 16, 2017
1,151
2,271
Madison, Wisconsin
#1
So I today I got a Fender deluxe active P bass and I put my ocean turquoise P up for sale on CL and the FB marketplace. Someone messaged me asking if I'd trade for an Ampeg V4B tube head since they've got 3 of them and sent me this picture.

92FB2404-7FA7-4ADA-939B-C41DB4F691F0.jpeg


I don't know much about these other than they're a smaller version of an SVT. But when I google it I see that they sell for quite a bit more than what my bass is listed as ($400).

My question is, is this a legit trade or am I going to get scammed on this? Are there specific things I should look for on these? Any help is appreciated.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SlimBaixo
#3
JimmyM said:
If it works, you're not going to get scammed. Current rate on one in VG condition hovers right around the $650-700 mark these days.
Click to expand...

This. And, on my view, it is NOT a "mini SVT". It does it's own thing..... which is also glorious, but different from the SVT.

GREAT amps.... assuming it's in great working condition.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Aqualung60, sharkbait130, Frankie Fender and 2 others
#4
JimmyM said:
If it works, you're not going to get scammed. Current rate on one in VG condition hovers right around the $650-700 mark these days.
Click to expand...

He just messaged me saying the bottom one is not for sale, the middle one needs a new volume pot for channel 2 but otherwise works fine (which he says would be an even trade) and the red one is 100% functional but he would some cash on top of the bass.

My question now is, since I have a PF500 and a 115HE, can I just run the V4 into my 115HE without issue? Obviously the 115 can handle the power, but should I look into another cab or something for it?
 
#5
secondbestcody said:
He just messaged me saying the bottom one is not for sale, the middle one needs a new volume pot for channel 2 but otherwise works fine (which he says would be an even trade) and the red one is 100% functional but he would some cash on top of the bass.

My question now is, since I have a PF500 and a 115HE, can I just run the V4 into my 115HE without issue? Obviously the 115 can handle the power, but should I look into another cab or something for it?
Click to expand...
You are fine with the PF115he, although the head will overhang off the sides a bit.
 
  • Like
Reactions: High Camp
#9
I would first find out what maintenance has been performed on the top two amps. Ask if the tubes are original or if they have been changed and when. Ask if the amps has been recapped or are original.

Changing a volume pot, as an example, on a vintage V4B can be a lot of work. You have to remove a set of pots mounted on the front panel on a PCB, replace the volume pot which solders directly onto the PCB, reinstall the assembly. The PCB is tight and there is the possibility of wires breaking when you move it around. The wires would then have to be replaced.

Which brings me to my point. A vintage V4B can be a lot of work to get it performing up to spec. A number of parts may need to be changed, new tubes included. This can run into the hundreds of dollars just for the parts. You might be opening a large can of worms.

Unless you can perform all the work by yourself, I feel that it would be better to get cash for your bass.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Bass 45, digmeout, GreyBeard and 8 others
#10
All 3 of the amps in the picture are the early 70's version based on the knobs. I own one and the tone is exquisite. 2 Fingers is right, they're not mini-SVT's. They do their own thing and I honestly prefer mine over my SVT.

I had mine gone through by a tech after I got it and made sure everything was good to go. Their labor is not cheap, but it's well worth it if you get into it for the right price. I had several caps replaced, the impedance selector cleaned and the midrange pot repaired. Ended up costine around $180.

I would easily make the trade if I were in your shoes. Just keep in mind that tube amps will need maintenance over time. That said the tone they throw is easily worth it
 
  • Like
Reactions: Artman
#11
secondbestcody said:
He just messaged me saying the bottom one is not for sale, the middle one needs a new volume pot for channel 2 but otherwise works fine (which he says would be an even trade) and the red one is 100% functional but he would some cash on top of the bass.

My question now is, since I have a PF500 and a 115HE, can I just run the V4 into my 115HE without issue? Obviously the 115 can handle the power, but should I look into another cab or something for it?
Click to expand...

The seller knows their stuff. From the looks of the flat toggle switches on the bottom amp, it's Linden-era.

If the V4B hanging over the edges of your cabinet bothers you, check this out:

Ampeg cabinets that fit under the original V4B head

secondbestcody said:
I figured I would just have the PF500 mounted on the underside and set the V4 on top of the handle. Crazy easy swapping if I ever needed a spare. Flip the lid and plug in.
Click to expand...

FYI, this would alter the cabinet volume and thus the tuning but prolly not by much.
 
#13
Camaro69 said:
If you are mechanical, it's a breeze
Click to expand...

beans-on-toast said:
Changing a volume pot, as an example, on a vintage V4B can be a lot of work.
Click to expand...

I can't say this any better than this, but I just wanted to second it. Changing a volume pot on most amps is a breeze; changing a volume pot on a V4B is a giant pain in the ass. I've done it. If you're taking it to a shop for the work, don't be surprised if it costs upwards of $100 (around me, it's pretty standard for shops to have a $75 bench fee just to look at the amp).

That being said, I still think it's totally worth the trade. Even if you don't fix channel 2, channel 1 still works fine (so he says). How often do you need both? As long as channel 2 isn't stuck at 11 and introducing some hum or something, the only downside is that it hurts the resale value a bit.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wisebass, beans-on-toast and mikewalker
#14
secondbestcody said:
So I today I got a Fender deluxe active P bass and I put my ocean turquoise P up for sale on CL and the FB marketplace. Someone messaged me asking if I'd trade for an Ampeg V4B tube head since they've got 3 of them and sent me this picture.

View attachment 3469816

I don't know much about these other than they're a smaller version of an SVT. But when I google it I see that they sell for quite a bit more than what my bass is listed as ($400).

My question is, is this a legit trade or am I going to get scammed on this? Are there specific things I should look for on these? Any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...
those are V4s not V4Bs. i have one just like those. Look like they are early 70's. I love mine, and play it with a late 70's SVT cabinet.
ampeg rig.jpg
 
#17
yaryaryaryar said:
That being said, I still think it's totally worth the trade. Even if you don't fix channel 2, channel 1 still works fine (so he says). How often do you need both? As long as channel 2 isn't stuck at 11 and introducing some hum or something, the only downside is that it hurts the resale value a bit.
Click to expand...

So I'm not that well versed in amps. I've only ever used solid state amps, just plug in and play. What is the use of having 2 channels and would I even need a second channel?

I don't gig or anything, I just jam with friends or play on my living room. I don't have a crazy setup, just a couple pedals.
 
#18
secondbestcody said:
So I'm not that well versed in amps. I've only ever used solid state amps, just plug in and play. What is the use of having 2 channels and would I even need a second channel?

I don't gig or anything, I just jam with friends or play on my living room. I don't have a crazy setup, just a couple pedals.
Click to expand...
2 channels can be fun. You can use two instruments and keep each plugged in, or jump the channels and blend the signals, or do a clean/dirty blend with effects. They don't do it anymore on the V4B because the second channel drives up the price, and I really don't need it, but it can be fun.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wisebass

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back